The Royal Opera House announced today that John Fulljames has been appointed Associate Director of Opera to work with Kasper Holten who joins as Director of Opera at the start of the 2011/12 Season. Cormac Simms, currently General Manager of the Company, will become Administrative Director. Both positions start in September.

Kasper Holten said 'I am thrilled that we have a full team in place going forward. It will be great to have John Fulljames supporting me on artistic matters, and Cormac Simms, with his extensive knowledge of the Company, on the administrative side. John comes with outstanding directing credentials as well as having made a real impact with his artistic directorship of the Opera Group. He will be a wonderful addition to the Royal Opera House.'

Antonio Pappano, Music Director of The Royal Opera added 'I’m delighted that John Fulljames will be joining us in September, alongside Kasper Holten. It’s a hugely challenging time ahead. We’re continually striving to present the very best on our stages and I think with the combined energies and expertise of Kasper and John, and ably supported by Cormac Simms, audiences can expect to see some very fascinating developments building on the wonderful work of the past decade in the new theatre.'